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East Lancs MEP takes new role

AN East Lancashire MEP has been named chairman of an ethics watchdog for the European Parliament.

Simonstone-based Sajjad Karim is leading the body’s advisory committee on the conduct of its members.

The committee runs the rule over gifts for Euro MPs and monitors whether politicians declare any extra payments they may receive. An undercover report by a national Sunday newspaper led to the drafting of the code, when it was claimed four MEPs had accepted cash to influence EU laws.

Mr Karim, a former Pendle borough councillor, said: “It is an honour to chair the committee.”